Natural Polymers as Functional Materials: Structural Insights and Application Pathways
Muhammad Mujtaba, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland , Finland
Thursday 2 October 2025, 12.00 PM
ICMAB - Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles
Abstract
Nature has been engineering advanced materials for millions of years—our challenge is to decode that wisdom and turn it into sustainable innovations.” In this seminar, I will explore the potential of natural polymers, focusing on cellulose and chitin, as building blocks for advanced functional materials. I will begin with a brief introduction to VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and its research landscape in sustainable materials and bio-based innovations.
The first part of my talk will focus on chitin, where I will discuss its natural architectures and the relationship between its biological source and structural chirality. These hierarchical features provide inspiration for designing materials with tailored optical and mechanical properties.
In the second part, I will turn to cellulose and its emerging role in novel applications, particularly as a sustainable alternative to conventional opacifiers. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), widely used for opacity and whiteness, is facing increasing restrictions due to health concerns, creating a need for safer, bio-based replacements. I will present how cellulose and relevant materials can serve as a promising solution, and why achieving comparable optical performance requires modifications to tune its refractive index and light-scattering properties.
Short bio
Dr. Mujtaba Muhammad earned his Ph.D. from Ankara University in the field of biomaterials development for controlled release applications. His research focuses on the development of bio-based materials for advanced applications such as packaging, controlled release systems, and opacifiers (whiteners). Before joining VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
At VTT, Dr. Muhammad’s work centers on designing and developing bio-based polymeric materials for applications including packaging, opacifiers, and carbon capture, with a strong emphasis on structure–property relationships and bioinspired material design. He is actively involved in both national and EU-level projects aimed at accelerating the transition toward sustainable and high-performance material solutions.
Hosted by Agustín Mihi, from the NANOPHOTONICS group (Materials for Energy Research Line)
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